Smooth as Silk

Well, Fenton wins again.

The fourth time in a row.

I wonder if he could get me off if I shot my city editor.

That was a tough one to lose, John.

I'll write your word.

- Hey, Phil. - Yeah?

Get me a shot of the Elliott kid and his uncle. They're coming out now.

Okay.

No pictures, please.

What's this? A theatrical producer turning down publicity?

This sort of publicity, yes.

- Any objections? - Not at all, my friend,

- Thanks Mr. Fenton. - Wait a minute.

Now that we've convinced everyone of Don's innocence,

I should think you'd be very proud to advertise the fact.

Just heard the news. A brilliant job, Mark.

- Congratulations. - Thanks Al.

Congratulations!

Congratulations for what?

For helping set a murderer free?

- Please, mother... - He's a murderer!

He killed our Evelyn, didn't he?

You lied in there, you know you lied.

Evelyn didn't run in front of your car.

You were too drunk to see, so you killed her.

You killed her... You killed her! You killed her!

- Mother, please... - You killed her!

Come on, Don.

The winner always has to face a scene like that.

Don't let it get you down, kid.

But I did tell the truth.

- Didn't I, Mark? - Why, certainly you did.

I tried to remember everything that happened that night.

It's so hard I never felt quite sure.

It's only natural in your condition.

Look Don, there's nothing wrong with your memory.

Wasn't that proven by those two witnesses?

Yes, but...

They verified your testimony, every word of it.

Now, forget it.

Okay, Mark.

Thanks a lot.

I'll say goodbye here.

I'd like to talk to your uncle alone for a moment, if you'll excuse us.

Sure.

- Do you want me to wait for you? - Please, but not in the nearest bar.

That wasn't very diplomatic, Steve, after what he's been through.

What Don's been through hasn't touched him.

In fact it's been quite an ordeal bringing your client in the court every morning...

...sober.

- Hello, Mr. Fenton. - Hello.

Well, what have we to discuss this so private?

Thanks.

- Your new production . - "Miracle at Midnight"?

Yes, and Paula Marlowe

Oh, yes.

I dropped into the Courtney theatre the other evening to watch miss Marlowe

and I think she's doing with Fitzgerald.

Well?

She's a very competent actress,

though not right for my play

- I want for her to have that part. - I don't.

Perhaps we're being too polite about all this.

When I agreed to take Don's case, and guaranteed his acquittal,

you promised to star Paula in "Miracle at Midnight".

Oh, no, I merely promised to consider miss Marlowe as a possibility.

Well, I have considered her and she is not a possibility.

Oh, by the way, the very substantial check I gave you

has been returned by my bank with your endorsement.

I believe that's the only receipt I'll need

as a proof that I've paid in full for your excellent services.

Good-bye, Mr. Fenton.

- Mr. Fenton... - Hiya, pop,

- Nice going. - Thanks

Has she heard the news yet?

She sure has. I got her all the papers.

I never saw miss Marlowe so interested in one of your cases.

It was a very exceptional case.

Mark?

- Yeah. - May I come in?

Sorry, darling, you'll have to wait.

Oh, Mark, I've been reading all about your wonderful trial

and I'm so happy and thrilled and so proud of you, of course.

Now run along and talk to pop or some and I'll be ready in a minute.

Louise, this is the most exciting day of my life.

Mine too, miss Paula, and I'm not a lady with many dull moments.

Stephen Elliott presents Paula Marlowe

in "Miracle at Midnight".

Won't that be something?

Oh, Susan, dear, forgive me. I forgot all about you.

You look so negative in that dress, sweet.

But if you're having dinner with Mr. Fenton, I'd better run along.

You most certainly will not. You're coming with us.

No, I--

Louise, find something in mine for her to wear.

Yes, miss Paula. No really I brought plenty of clothes.

I don't doubt that, but let's not unpack them just yet.

I tried so hard to forget the things they sell at the emporium,

back in Great Falls.

How about this for Miss Susan?

No, no, I'll wear that. Find us something a little more sophisticated.

Everyone will know she's my younger sister. We needn't make an issue of it.

Oh, hurry and change, darling. Mark is waiting.

Paulie, you're sure he won't mind?

Baby, he'll adore having you,

but please, please, remember not to call me Paulie.

And you, my little cherub are no longer Susan Mars,

from now on you're Susan Marlowe,

just two years younger than sister Paula.

And another thing, don't ever mention Great Falls Idaho,

not even in your sleep.

Well, I'll have to mention it when I apply for a job.

What job?

I told you I graduated from Business College.

You just don't listen. That's why I came to New York,

to be a secretary.

A secretary!

I can type sixty words a minute.

Is that good?

Well, naturally, I want to do better.

You will, my pet. I'll see to that.

Stephen Elliott presents Paula Marlowe.

...and cr pe suzettes for three, please.

Thank you, sir.

Paulie, you never told me you had a sister.

Oh, yes, I have, hundreds of times.

Funny I don't remember. Where she has been hiding you?

- Well I've been in-- - School, finishing school.

She must have finished rather unexpectedly.

Yes, she did. She wanted to surprise me.

- You think you're gonna like it here? - Oh, yes.

Mark let's stop this small talk and get down a big talk.

What about Stephen Elliott?

When do I see him? When do I get a script and when do rehearsals start?

Well, when?

Paula, Stephen Elliott has changed his mind.

What?

Just what do you mean Mark, he changed his mind?

Well, he's decided to use another actress.

But he can't do such a thing.

Not after what you've done for that no-good nephew of his.

I'm afraid he can, Paula.

This is dorky, just dorky!

But Paulie, Paula, you still have this show.

Oh, have I?

It so happens that I just gave Fitzgerald my two weeks notice.

Oh, well, enough about poor little Paula's troubles.

We don't want to spoil Susan's first evening in town.

Of course we don't.

Paula, I know you're used to getting what you want and so am I.

Neither of us likes to accept defeat.

You've never had to accept it.

No I guess I haven't.

Neither will you.

I'll buy you a play, any play you want.

The play I want isn't for sale.

Well, then all I can do is hope

that this will take the edge off your disappointment,

a little bit anyway.

Oh! Oh, Mark, how lovely!

Lovely? That's the most beautiful bracelet I've ever seen.

Paula, how can you even think about old plays when you have someone like Mark?

Susan you're wonderful.

Do me a favor and tell that to Paula at least 20 times a day.

Why?

Because I honestly don't wanna buy her a play.

I wanna buy her a wedding ring.

But darling, you can.

Paula...

if I don't continue my career as a star in Mr. Elliott's production.

Oh, but that's all over.

I mean, well, isn't it?

Not quite.

Oh, Mark, it's really lovely.

Paula, let me see it.

I told you we'd run into Mark here, Fletch. Come on, say hello to him.

No, John, I'd rather not.

Well, that's why I brought you here.

He's busy.

Well, you do as you like, but I won't miss an opportunity like this.

What opportunity?

Maybe you didn't see that boy at the bar when we came in.

Which one?

Right over there, on the end.

- Don Elliott. - Yes.

Poor boy, so falsely accused of manslaughter.

It's pathetic, he's suddenly taken to drink.

Excuse me, Fletch.

The fabulous Mr. Fenton, I believe.

Well, if it isn't Mr. District Attorney.

Does this mean that I'm forgiven

for saving another client from your clutches?

Congratulations Mark, you were brilliant.

Thank you. I believe you know miss Marlowe.

- Yes, how do you do? - Good evening.

And another miss Marlowe, Susan, Paula's sister.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

- Oh, please, sit down Mr. Kimball. - Thank you.

Now we'll never get rid of him.

Mark...